A historic art trail is coming to Alton next year to mark the town’s rich history of brewing.

At the end of September, the Alton Brewing Heritage Trail Group hosted an event at the Allen Gallery. Where it announced its historic trail will be complete and ready for the public in spring 2025.

More than 60 residents and local councillors were able to have a first look into the five sculptures set to accompany Alton’s new trail, which will run through Cala Homes' Rivermead Gardens development.

Louise Parker, a member of Alton’s Brewing Heritage Trail Group, said: “It was an incredible evening being able to witness the hard work of everyone involved, and to see how the artists’ ideas flourish into concepts that will soon be transformed into sculptures, immortalising Alton’s history.

“It was great to engage with residents and hear their enthusiasm for the trail, they’re all eager to welcome the footpath in 2025 and look forward to sharing the beauty of our town with everyone.”

The local artists behind the Alton Brewing Heritage Trail sculptures discussed their designs with the public and how the traditional 18th century brewing practices inspired their pieces.

John Cooksley, an artistic blacksmith, worked alongside fellow sculptural artists Rachel Nicholson and Alison Catchlove on three of the sculptures that will be displayed on the trail. Including the ‘Harp Pillar’, which combines the harp logo, synonymous with the Alton brewery and the pipework used within the brewing processes.

Other works lined up are the ‘Crowley Pillar’ which represents the pouring of the beer and pays homage to the Crowley family and the ‘Cockerel Pillar’ which pays tribute to Courage & Co’s logo.

Artist Robert Smith shared his plans for the ‘Dray Horse’ sculpture and ending the trail will be blacksmith Alex Slater’s ‘Capturing the Brewing Process’ piece.